mature person transitioning their dealership to the next generation

Considering transitioning your dealership to the next generation?

You’ve invested time, effort, and heart into building your dealership. It’s now time to start thinking about your exit strategy. What are your succession goals? What are the opportunities available to you? Who are your potential successors – family members or a third party?

We’ll work with you to answer these questions and develop a successful exit plan that protects your legacy, prepares your dealership’s future leaders, and lays the groundwork for continuity and success.

Our advisors will help you exit on your terms and maximize the value of your business, no matter the size of your dealership or how far you’ve progressed in your succession plan.

business work in an office with a laptop and papers

Download our succession checklist

From tax planning to ownership transfer to performance improvements, a succession strategy will help you maximize returns on your life’s work.

Succession success story: Zanchin Automotive

Picture of Joe Zanchin

"What I like about MNP — they give you that personal attention. I've never experienced that before.

The Zanchin Automotive Group is about 48 years old. We’re selling a lot of automobiles… and we’re doing big business. My daughters took over the business so that it would be able to continue, and I hope they do even better. But with MNP behind them, they will succeed.”

Joe Zanchin, Founder, Zanchin Automotive Group

Insights

  • Progress

    January 23, 2025

    Why planning for succession is key to your dealership’s near and long-term success

    Secure your dealership’s future with a clear succession plan. Avoid disruptions, maximize value, and stay competitive with proactive strategies.

  • Progress

    January 17, 2025

    What does your dealership need to know about the incentives for zero-emission vehicles?

    What does your dealership need to know about the incentives for zero-emission vehicles? Explore the details of federal and provincial programs.

  • Progress

    December 18, 2024

    How your dealership can build a more gender-diverse workforce

    With only 23 percent of employees in new car dealerships being women, the gender gap continues to persist in the automotive industry.

Contact our Dealerships team

Chris Schaufele CPA, CA

National Leader, Dealerships

Chris is MNP’s National dealership service leader and a Business Advisor with the firm’s Assurance and Accounting group in Surrey. With nearly 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, Chris oversees the firm’s delivery of dealership services across Canada, leading a dedicated team of professionals who work with more than 600 dealerships nation-wide.

Chris helps automobile dealers and leasing companies, as well as business owners in other industries, ensuring they have the information they require to make strong business decisions. He delivers a full suite of assurance services, including audits, reviews and compilations, helps with tax planning and compliance, and advises on a broad range of business issues. His expertise in accounting and assurance standards and keen understanding of the automotive industry allow him to identify opportunities to help his clients succeed.

Chris earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA, Co-operative) in accounting from Simon Fraser University in 2008. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), qualifying as a Chartered Accountant (CA) in 2010.

Chris is passionate about giving back to the automotive industry and sits as a member of the board of directors of the New Car Dealers Association of BC.